Ex-Lagos commissioner loses mum

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

The mother of ex-Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Alhaja Risikat Balogun, is dead.

She died on Thursday at her Ogba home in Lagos State.

Dr Abdul Lateef, ex-Lagos State Amirul Hajj, announced the death on his Facebook page.

He wrote: “It is my turn to grieve! My darling mum has just died. Inna lilahi Wa Inna Ilaehi Rajiun. Please pray for her in your places. Do not come for her burial. Let us comply with government directives! She lived well and died well. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al-Jannah Fridaus (paradise).”

Dr AbdulLateef appealed to Lagosians not to come for the Janazah (funeral).

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This, he said, was to comply with directives of the government on social distancing due to Coronavirus.

Aide to the ex-commissioner AbdulGaniy Oladippupo said she was rejected by a private hospital due to COVID-19.

“The hospital rejected her for four days. The hospital management insisted Alhaja should be taken to the COVID-19 Test Centre before they can have anything to do with her despite her urgent need for treatment. The result came out yesterday (Wednesday) and was negative. Unfortunately, mama died this morning,” he said.

Former Chairman Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) Dr Tajudeen Yusuf urged the government to ensure that emergency cases not COVID-19 related test were attended to.

“We should not be losing people on the suspicion of Coronavirus. Such people with emergency cases should be attended to while the medical personnel protect themselves with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As Muslims, we know death comes at the appointed time but we must address the way of dealing with emergency cases …” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Foundation Dr Abdullah Shuaib described Alhaja Balogum as an amiable person.

“She was a cheerful giver and accommodating.  She made a lot of sacrifices for her children to get to where they are today especially our friend, the former commissioner,” he said.